MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG HOSTS CHANUKAH MENORAH
LIGHTING CEREMONY IN LOWER MANHATTAN

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg this evening hosted New York City's annual lighting of the Chanukah Menorah in the Surrogate Courthouse Atrium in Lower Manhattan. The celebration of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over religious oppression in the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Mayor's Community Assistance Unit Commissioner Jonathan Greenspun, Consul General of Israel in New York, Ambassador Alon Pinkas, Hollis Hills Jewish Center Cantor Saul Zim, Jewish Community Relations Council Executive Vice President Michael Miller, and Mordechi Reisman, age 7, of Yeshiva Ahavas Torah joined the Mayor at tonight's celebration.

"This evening we come together to light the Menorah and celebrate the fourth night of Chanukah, one of the happiest holidays for Jews around the world, young and old alike," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Chanukah is a holiday filled with traditions that center on family togetherness whether its making and eating latkes, singing songs, exchanging presents, spinning dreidels, or lighting the menorah. But it is also an ageless story of perseverance, faith, and strength. It celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over what seemed like impossible odds. It reminds us of the strength that comes with unity and faith. That's a timeless message and also a timely one, both for the people of Israel in the wake of the most recent terrorist attacks, and also for the people of New York as we continue to rebuild our great City."

The program culminated with Cantor Zim lighting the Menorah's middle candle, the Shamash, and the Mayor, Mr. Miller, Ambassador Pinkas, and Mordechi Reisman lighting the remaining four candles. Cantor Zim and the Hollis Hills Jewish Center Choir then led the singing of Maoz Tzur, which is traditionally sung after the candle lighting.

During the reception, The Odessa Klezmer Band, who volunteered their time, provided musical entertainment; Gelt, small chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, and dreidels donated by Eichler's Jewish Bookstore, were handed out; and traditional holiday foods including mini latkas, mini jelly donuts, and dreidel cookies were served. Last year, Mayor Bloomberg traveled to Israel during Chanukah and participated in a Menorah Lighting Ceremony with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Jerusalem.